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This is a continuation of an article first posted on AudiBoost back in October. Just goes to show how far magazines lag behind the internet these days as this comparison is just being published in the February 2013 issue of MotorTrend magazine. Nothing much has changed since first reported but BimmerBoost has the whole magazine spread to post now with all the data. The Audi S8 is simply lighter, faster, and better than the Alpina B7 based on the F01 750.

In all fairness to BMW, the S8 outguns any 7-Series from the BMW factory significantly just as the AMG S-Class variants do. It takes Alpina to compete with the S8 and even they can't get enough out of the 7-Series to keep this one close. The S8 stomps it running 0-60 in 3.5 seconds versus 4.3 for the B7 and the 1/4 mile in 11.8@118.3 versus 12.6@113.6 for the B7. Almost a full second in the 1/4 mile, that's a beatdown.

What makes this worse is the B7 is rated at more horsepower than the S8 with 540 on paper versus Audi's 520. That looks nice but in reality the S8 puts down more horsepower at the wheels with 479 at all four versus 414 for the B7. Audi's figure is underrated and Alpina's is overrated, despite Audi routing power to all four wheels.

Handling is also in Audi's favor with a better skidpad and figure eight result. The Audi even starts out cheaper at $110,895 versus $128,495 for the B7. The S8 even is lighter despite its all wheel drive. Get the B7 with the all wheel drive option and the car gets absurdly heavy.

Say what you want, Audi has significantly upped their game and is now routinely beating BMW, the former gold standard, in comparison tests. Frankly, it's a good thing. BMW clearly has lost some of their magic as of late. Keep up the pressure Audi and you will convert even the most hardcore of BMW fans, even the one typing this sentence.

But...the problem is that Audi is ugly, bland and lacks many of the BMW driving characteristics. BMW does lag behind in the power ratings in high-end cars though. They focus on engine and drivetrain refinement, but they begin to forget that all of us have a wild side...and we need wild power

Time for a real M7. If I had to have a large sedan to go to dinner and meet clients, it would be the Alpina. Loved the E65 Alpina and the F01 is so nice. It is so different and classy that it reeks style, yet replace the Roundels for Alpina badges and most people would have no idea what it was.

I still think Audi sent a ringer. Nice car, it won. They should give M GmbH a brief and let them go to work. The next 7 may have some surprises!!!

But...the problem is that Audi is ugly, bland and lacks many of the BMW driving characteristics. BMW does lag behind in the power ratings in high-end cars though. They focus on engine and drivetrain refinement, but they begin to forget that all of us have a wild side...and we need wild power

Audi looks pretty good to me:

Audi's driving characteristics have improved whereas BMW has lost their touch. Part of the problem is BMW's are so heavy now.

This isn't just a muscle thing, it's an overall victory for Audi. It also outhandles the BMW... and it's lighter.

The sad part is that BMW continues to proclaim record sales month after month. Turning away from the enthusiasts to gain more market shares proves to be more profitable indeed. Audi and Mercedes are of course be more than happy to fill the voids left by BMW.